AAF Fresno has announced the recipients of its 2026 Honors Awards recognizing achievement in the region’s advertising, marketing and media industries. Courtesy of AAF Fresno
published on September 4, 2026 – 5:04 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
The American Advertising Federation Fresno will recognize 15 individuals and businesses shaping the region’s advertising and marketing industry during its annual Honors Awards Luncheon later this month.
Two well-known figures in Fresno media and advertising will receive the event’s top lifetime honor. Mike Thielen, founder of Mike Thielen Advertising, and retired KMPH FOX26 personality Kopi Sotiropulos were selected as recipients of the Joe Levy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Greg Baker, local sales manager for ABC30, will be inducted into the AAF Fresno Hall of Fame, while Ryan Ivanoff, an account director with National CineMedia, will receive the Silver Medal Award.
Chris Pacheco, president of Bulldog Sports Enterprises, was named Professional of the Year. Pacheco also owns ESPN Radio stations 1430 ESPN (KFIG) and 790 ESPN2 (KFPT).
The Sequoia Firm will receive the Ralph E. Brown Award, recognizing the company’s contributions to the advertising community.
Graphic designer Alicia Benitez of Alicia Elaine Designs was selected for the Nancy Thielen Award. Michele Meisch, marketing manager for Darden Architects and a Fresno State marketing lecturer, and Susan Moore, president and owner of Dumont Printing, will each receive the J.U. Berry Award.
The organization also announced the recipients of its Star Awards, recognizing achievement across several areas of the industry.
Carly Vagim, an account and social coordinator with HYPHEN, was named the individual Rising Star, while SJ MKTG was selected as this year’s Rising Star company.
Veronica Flores, regional director of sales for Northern California at TelevisaUnivision, was named Outstanding Media Salesperson of the Year.
Byron Watkins, partner and executive creative director at Windsong Productions, will receive the Creative Talent of the Year award. Andrea Salvio, a media buyer with HYPHEN, was selected as Media Planner of the Year.
Jeffrey Scott Agency was named Agency of the Year.
The AAF Fresno Honors Awards Luncheon will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pardini’s Catering & Banquets, located at 2257 W. Shaw Ave. in Fresno.
Individual tickets cost $60 for AAF Fresno members, $65 for nonmembers, $35 for student members and $40 for student nonmembers. Tables of 10 are also available.
Tickets are available through the AAF Fresno website.